A Look at China: Travel Guide

China, the strange conflict between communism and capitalism is epitimozed by a giant staute of Chairman Mao in the centre of Chegdu City, right arm raised in salute, against the backdrop of flashing neon advertising for Samsung and other multi-national companies. The Chinese name places and monuments with romanticism' names such as the Temple of Heaven, Sea of Wisdom Temple and th Harmonious Interest Garden infuse magic that will enchant any tourist.

The serenity of the Buddhist temples, the early-morning tai-chi and the elderly playing Mahjong on outdoor tables in the parks to a backdrop of rolling hills is a start contract to the frenzy of construction in the run up to the 2008 Bejing Olympics. The Chinese are expecting two million visitors to Bejing alone and with the Olympics in the not so distant future, construction is at an all-time high in China.

A visit to China can take you on many and varied roads from visiting the giant pandas in Cheduga Panda Breeding and Research Centre to a trip down to Mao Zedone Memorial Hall where you can visit the embalmed body of the former chairman or try not to fall over snakes around the square. Here are my own favorite experiences and places in China;

- Shanghai City at night is a must see

- The Great Wall of China stretching off into the distance for thousands of kilometers

- The Giant Panda Breeding and Research Centre in Cheduga

- In Tinanmen Square you have to see the giant portrait of Chairman Mao

- If you are a shopper, take an empty case with you to Hong King, a shopper's paradise

- Lantu Island is the home for the record-sized big bronze Buddha

The great wall is perhaps a more conventional destination however be warned, getting to the top of the wall is a very steep climb that takes more exertion that you may imagine. Once you are up there, the view of the wall, built by dynasties of the Chinese Emperors, stretching for thousands of kilometres, makes it worth every step. China, a land steeped in ancient history, mythology, culture, martial arts, wars, enchanting archaeology, lovely friendly people and more than a thousand things for a visitor to see.